Kanu o ka ʻĀina Learning ʻOhana (KALO) and its partners are working to establish an autonomous, holistic, education environment for the children of Hawaiʻi: grounding every child and adult in the values that have shaped and empowered Hawaiians for generations; involving every member of the Hawaiian community in determining his/her educational path and preparing every child of Hawaiʻi to thrive in the modern world, free from oppression and with pride for our heritage.

East Hawaii Cultural Council, Holualoa Foundation for Arts and Culture, Kamuela Philharmonic Orchestra Society, Kano o ka ‘Aina ‘Ohana and Volcano Art Center are the five recipients of this year’s Bank of Hawaii Foundation Monty Richards Hawaii Island Community Leadership Award. The award recognizes outstanding leadership of nonprofits providing benefits for residents of Hawai‘i County, with the awards this year focused on arts, culture and education programs. Volcano Art Center received $10,000; the other four recipients each received $5,000. The announcement was made during a special presentation and panel discussion of creative placemaking at Kahua Ranch on Tuesday, Nov. 1.